May 07, 2015

Armoring MI-8 helicopters

The idea of armoring MI-8 helicopters emerged early in this conflict, when helicopters were transporting the wounded and bringing products into the ATO zone.
During flights they constantly came under terrorist fire. This led to volunteers rapidly finding a way to protect aircrew, in particular pilots and those who were aboard the helicopters in flight.

The volunteers of the “Armor 2” project previously armored only terrestrial vehicles, but when the issue became acute, they were the first in Ukraine who developed protection for helicopters. The manufacturing process took less than a month. They sourced metal from one company and another company that provided fabric from which a Mykolaiv firm sewed covers for the metal sheets.
This protection is being successfully installed as part of the “Armor 2” project, sponsored by “PrivatBank”.

It should be noted that due to this support two helicopters from 12 combat units were armored. Work to armor the remainder is continuing.

Pilots and aircrew are grateful to all the people who support the project, with their help helicopters are being armored and the craft are being delivered back with added protection for the lives of soldiers.
Special thanks to “PrivatBank”, which had sponsored armoring the 12 combat units.
These helicopters will soon be sent to the ATO zone to transport military personnel and wounded.